Some individual Austrians:
Hugo Wolf (Mar. 1860-1903) Austrian composer.
Gustav Mahler (Jul. 1860-1911) Bohemian-Austrian composer and conductor.
Arnold Schoenberg (Sep. 13, 1874-1951) Austrian/American composer. Disciple of Mahler, teacher of Cage.
Georg Tintner (1917-99) Viennese born conductor, worked mainly Australia & Canada
Kurt Schwertsik (1935-) Austrian composer |
From the Dietetic Reformer and Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester,
England), February 1879, p41:
VIENNA - We have received the statutes of the
Vienna Vegetarian Club (a union for diet comfortable to nature). The
aim of the club is the care of the bodily and spiritual health of its
members by means of a diet agreeable to nature on the ground of experience
and science in the sense of Vegetarianism, and to promote the diffusion
of appropriate fundamental propositions by special examples, by suitable
books and tracts, by public addresses, and above all by teaching oral
and written. The cardinal priciple is abstinence from all nourishment
derived from dead beasts which become food for plants, especially to
adopt farinaceous products and fruit, considered as the soundest kind
of aliment and most worthy of mankind, and as the main condition for
bodily, spiritual, and moral welfare. The club is open to all, without
distinction of sex, on acceptance by the officers of the association
and payment of the contribution.
The club consists of - (a) Ordinary members who follow the priciples
of Vegetarianism; and (b) Extraordinary members, who apporve and promote
the principles but are unable to follow them. To vote on practical questions,
to elect or be elected, belongs to the ordinary member alone. Every
member pays one florin on admission, and two florins quarterly.
From the Dietetic Reformer and Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester,
England), September 1881, p193:
A vegetarian Society has recently been formed at Mürzzuschlag,
in Autsria.
From the Dietetic Reformer and Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester,
England), December 1881, p270:
According to La Réforme Alimentaire [France], local Vegetarian
Societies exist in . . . and in Austria at Vienna, Gratz, and Murzzuschlag.
From the Dietetic Reformer and Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester,
England), February 1882, p44:
We have received a copy of the statutes of the recently-established
Vegetarian Society in Vienna, which seem admirably adapted to their
intended purpose.
From the Dietetic Reformer and Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester,
England), March 1882, p70/71:
A letter from Gratz in Styria, states that a Vegetarian Society has
been founded in that city.
Accounts from Vienna report that the Vegetarian Society there has commenced
work in earnest, new members joining every day, the library being considerably
increased, Vegetarian literature freely disseminated, and the Vegetarian
dining-room at times crowded.
From the Dietetic Reformer and Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester,
England), August 1882, p180:
A tract has been issued by the Gratz Vegetarian Society, containing
directions for a preparation of the more simple Vegetarian dishes, with
the cost per head.
From the Dietetic Reformer and Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester,
England), April 1883, p96:
VIENNA (VEREIN FÜR
NATURGEMÄSSE LEBENWEISE)
- The Vegetarian Society of Vienna begs to send compliments to the Editors
of The Dietetic Reformer, and to ask this favour: Our members,
numbering eighty, frequent the only eating house for Vegetarians in
Vienna, which is, however, insufficient for their needs. they would
like a larger room and better locality, a better and more tasteful manner
of cooking, also an enterprising manager for such an establishment,
partly for their own comfort, partly for the purpose of propagating
the new mode of living by an inviting model restaurant. We cannot find
a suitable and trustworthy man for such an establishment, and, aspiring
to open a Vegetarian Hall like some of your institutions, we have agreed
to look out for someone amongst the English friends of our principles,
if our communication in your widely read periodical. We shall be much
indebted to you if you can assist us. - The "Vienna Vegetarian
Society" - J. L. Heild, Librarian.
From the Dietetic Reformer and Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester,
England), April 1883, p107:
VIENNA - at the second general meeting of this
Society, it was announced that during the year 1882 twenty lectures,
besides those of Dr. Dock, had been given under its auspices, and more
than 17,000 publications given away. The accounts show a small balance,
and the library has been increased and freely used. The Committee were
directed to promote a conference of Vegetarians resident throughout
the Empire, with a view to forming an Austrian Vegetarian Society.
From the Dietetic Reformer and Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester,
England), May 1884, p129:
Verein für Naturgemasse Lebensweise in Wien (Society for Promoting
Natural Diet in Vienna), had on 9th February a lecture from the President,
Mr. F. W. Kubiezek on "Vegetarianism in Vienna since Gustav Struve."
Mr. Kribiezek also briefly sketched the character and work of Gustav
Struve, of whom he was an intimate acquaintance.
From The Dietetic Reformer and Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester,
England), December 1886, p375:
Germany.- The Veriensblatt for November gives a gratifying account
of the annual meeting of the German Vegetarian Society in Vienna, which
took place on the 25th September last. It was the first meeting which
had been held in Vienna, and every endeavour was made to secure success
for the gathering. We are pleased to note that the result was all that
could have been desired. On the evening of the 25th the members from
all parts of Germany, gathered in the hall, and when at a quarter to
eight Herr Fr. Eckstein took the chair about 250 persons were present.
After a few preliminary words of welcome he introduced Frau Lesser,
of Darmstadt, with a paper on Vegetarianism, which proved of uncommon
interest to her hearers, the lady chiefly confining herself to the humanitarian
aspect of her subject. Her most touching appeal was greatly helped by
her excellent delivery.
On the following morning arrived Mr. Herring, of Leipsic, who was to
conduct the rest of the proceedings. His introductory address dealt
with the necessity of union. The compnay then dispersed to the banquet,
which was splendidly served in the "Indian" room of the third
coffee house. One hundred and twenty persons of all ages were present,
and an address was given by Herr Eckstein. After dinner, an amateur
concert was heartily enjoyed, very good music, both vocal and instrumental,
being rendered by the members; and after a short dance the party dispersed
about eight p.m., well pleased with their day's entertainment.
On the following day Herr Eckstein conducted the visitors over the
town, and the evening again saw the large hall of the Engineers and
Architects Society well filled. Herr Herring dwelt on "The meaning
of Vegetarianism as a sustainer of the national strength," in a
lucid, impressive, and impartial manner, and was greeted with hearty,
yea stormy, applause.
The Vienna press - the whole Austrian press indeed - have taken a keen
interest in the meeting, and have spoken with great respect of the proceedings.
Next year the gathering is to take place at Leipsic.
From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester, England), November
1893, 422 [extracts]:
VIENNA INTERNATIONAL FOOD EXHIBITION
From the 20th April until 10th June next there will be held at Vienna,
. . . a Universal International Exhibition ofr Popular and Military
Alimentation, Economies &c.
Certainly all Vegetarians will be glad to hear that in conformity with
the official programme of the Exhibition "a special section will
be accorded for the demonstration of the principle of fleshless diet"
(Vegetarianism), where its partisans will find ample opportunity for
propagating the advantages of their method of alimentation in a theoretical
as well as practical way. The Vienna Vegetarian Society therefore consider
it as their bounden duty of honour to make the necessary preparations
and arrangements for this section. [further details followed]
From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester, England), February
1894, p65/69:
[from Die Vegetarische Rundschau, November 1893] A committee
has been formed at Salzburg for the formation of a Vegetarian Athletic
Club. This has, no doubt, been called forth by the recent success gained
by Vegetarians in the long distance walking matches. It is intended
that this club shall from time to time organise competitions, that it
shall support the expenses of any member, unable to do so for himself,
who wishes to enter into any outside competition, and it shall give
prizes of honour to its successful members, and, in short, encourage
any sport of which the committee approve.
At its meeting, held on the 15th December, 1893, the Vienna Vegetarian
Society unanimously resolved to join the Deutsche Vegetarier-Bund.
From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester, England), September
1895, p65/69:
Austria.- Vegetarianism does not seem to thrive in Austria. Outside
of Vienna no vegetarian society seems able to live on its own footing.
Several unions of hygeine have been established, which advocate a vegetarian
mode of living, but per se our teaching has so far not found
favourable soil.
From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester, England),October 1896,
p342
An excellent paper on "Richard Wagner and his attitude to our
Endeavours," was read before the Vienna Vegetarian Society, by
Frau Ebert-Stokinger. [details followed]
From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester, England),October 1899,
p304:
Vienna Vegetarian Society.- This Society reports good progress
after four months of existence.
From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester, England), June 1900,
p180:
Vienna Vegetarian Society. - The Lokal Anzeiger gives
a full and appreciative report of an address in favour of our cause,
delivered in Vienna by Herr Benno Buerdorff, and states that the address
was well received and frequently applauded. This argues well for the
advance which our brethren are making in Austria. It is not long ago
that vegetarianism was barely acknowledged in Austria, now at least
our ideas are treated with respect. There can be no doubt that the argumentative
meetings to which the medical men of the city were invited, have made
an impression, and we are looking forward with interest to a continuation
of the same, which has been announced.
The following item was contributed by the Soyfoods Center:
Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester, England). 1902. "The
movement abroad." Nov. p. 251-54. "In Austria a vegetarian
magazine has been started."
In 1908 the Society in Vienna sent a letter of support to the first
IVU Congress in Dresden, Germany
The next mention we have of Austria is in the report of the 1923 IVU
Congress, held in Stockholm, Sweden:
After extending a hearty welcome to all, he called upon the Hon. Congress
Secretary, Madame Lombard (Stockholm), to read the Roll Call of the
Delegates. Each rose as his or her name was called. The following is
a full list : ... Austria - Richard Schwartz and Mrs Schwartz, Vienna.
... We give the full list of papers in alphabetical order :- ... Moriz
Schnitzer [Czechoslovakia] on "The Nature Healing Institutions
in Germany and Austria," ...
... The Chairman said that, owing to the great disturbance caused by
the War the Committee felt as if we ought almost to make a new beginning
and that the Constitution would need some alteration. He invited members
for the International Vegetarian Unon and the delegates from the following
countries expressed their desire to join :- ... Austria, ...
... Some discussion arose as to the advisability of admitting Nature
Healing Societies as members of the International Vegetarian Union.
Mr. Schwartz, Miss Hompes, Dr. Oberdörfcr, Mr. Egerod, Mr. C. W.
Forward, Mr. Schnitzer, Mr. Sibly, Mr. Noithenius and Mr. Hough took
part. It was resolved :- That any National Food-Reform Society whose
executive power is vested only in its vegetarian members shall be eligible
for membership of the International Vegerarian Union. ... [this appears
to relate to the talk by Moriz Schnitzer above]
... NATIONAL DAY. Proposed by Mr. Schwartz of Vienna that a National
Day should be appointed, say the second Sunday in September, when fruits
are ripe, for a Vegetarian Demonstration throughout the world. Th proposal
met with favour but no resolution was passed. The matter was left to
the Committee, as were also details for further revision of the Constitution.
...
From the report of the 1926 IVU Congress, held in London, England:
Messages of congratulations and good wishes were received from the
following Societies not represented at the Congress :- ... Austria,
...
Extracts from the report of the 1929 IVU Congress, held in Steinschönau,
Czeckoslovakia:
... The very list of speakers at the Congress was impressve. Including
as it did, the names of .... and, last though by no means least, Dr.
Johannes Ude, Professor of Theology in the University of Graz. whose
wonderful eloquence must certainly be accounted one of the outstanding
features of the Congress. The present is an age of wireless, and it
is customary to declare that oratory, as a fine art, in these days is
sadly out of date. To listen to Professor Ude, however, on any one of
the half-dozen occasions on which he spoke, was to realise - notwithstanding
that his words were in an unfamiliar tongue - that the art of public
speech is still a living one. Even as we write the magic of that final
"Ich will," in his speech on the Tuesday afternoon, yet continues
to thunder in our ears. Would that it might echo and re-echo likewise
in the ears (and also in the minds) of all those whom vegetarians would
fain make to understand! ...
... Thirteen nations in all were represented at the Congress - ...
Austria, ...
... As already stated, the speech of Dr. Johannes Ude (Graz) delivered
at the afternoon session, was one of quite amazing eloquence, so much
so that we despair of conveying to the reader, through the medium of
a mere summary, any adequate understanding of the extraordinary reaction
it produced on those who heard it. Dr. Ude is not only a theologian,
his academic quali-fications have also been earned in the field of philosophy,
of natural science and of economics; and the response of his audience
to what he had to say was the more remarkable seeing that it was the
seemingly dry-as-dust subject of economics with which, on this occasion,
he had elected to deal. Evidently, however, Dr. Ude is a teacher who
finds it quite impossible to do his thinking in water-tight compartments,
and so he began by laying down the principle that what is wrong ethically
cannot be justified economically, and vice versa. Human well-being and
ethical behaviour, he said, necessarily went together. The use of the
produce of the land for the purpose of feeding cattle involved an enormous
waste of material, even to the extent of 75 to 80 per cent., and an
area of land capable of supporting seven vegetarians could sustain but
one flesh-eater. Were all the people of Europe to become vegetarians
it would be possible to support a population of almost four times the
present size. Dr. Ude proceeded to quote some interesting figures showing
the waste involved in his own country of Austria as a result of pig-breeding,
linking up his subject finally with the waste associated with the use
of alcohol and tobacco, which substances, as he re-minded his audience,
most vegetarians also forebore to consume.
The economic loss, said the speaker, arising from damage to health
caused by tobacco and alcohol was enormous, and it was impossible to
dissociate these from the question of abstinence from flesh foods. In
general, it might be said that the vegetarian put into practice the
important economic principle of the smallest expenditure to the greatest
advantage. Vegetarianism, said Dr. Ude, always and every-where, proclaimed
itself as the ideal mode of life ; and thereupon as if to gather together
all the various threads of his argument. bringing the whole under the
dominance of one final act of will - came the emphatic declaration already
referred to in our second paragraph. ...
Extracts from the report of the 1932 IVU Congress, held in Berlin &
Hamburg, Germany:
...
among the speakers are Professor Ude (Austria) [photo right]...
Monday morning at 9 o'clock witnessed a huge gathering in the open to
hear addresses by Professor Johannes Ude, of Graz, ...
... Dr. Ude then spoke with the eloquence and charm which is the prerogative
of the true orator.
He had a message to proclaim and this he delivered in a clear and decisive
tone. His subject was "VEGETARIANISM AS A SAVING FACTOR IN THE
APPROACHING WORLD CHAOS." Dr. Ude said that the universe was governed
by certain laws, which, in order to achieve perfection, must be rigidly
followed. The individual, he said, was free to accept these principles
or reject them and it was because nations had ignored them that the
world to-day was suffering from the effects of warfare and economic
and political chaos. Professor Ude then indicated some of the laws to
which he had just referred.
(1) Man's original food consisted of herbs arid fruits-not the flesh
of animals-and in so far as we had departed from that type of diet so
our troubles increased. (2) The world was given for the use of man,
irrespective of creed or colour. (3) Every human being had a right to
the land and to everything necessary for his proper development. (4)
Through work the human being received his reward. (5) Everyone had a
duty, and therefore, a right to work. (6) Only useful commodities should
be produced. The production of luxuries tended to make necessities more
expensive.
Dr. Ude dwelt at some length upon the tremendous waste involved in
the production of flesh foods when contrasted with vegetable foods.
Flesh food, he said, was approximately five times as expensive as vegetable
foods, due, chiefly to the length of time required to produce it. At
the present time the whole of Europe could only feed 452 million people,
whereas, without the use of animals as food, 1,704 million people could
be supported. Every country, he said, would gain enormously if it adopted
a veget-arian dietary-and it would also make for peace and a better
under-standing among the nations. ...
... In order to give the members of the Hamburg Vegetarian Society
an opportunity of meeting the foreign delegates the concluding meetings
and excursions were arranged in that city on the Thursday, Friday and
Saturday. On Thursday evening, in the large hall of the Coventgarten,
we met many new friends who had assembled to hear an address from Professor
Ude on "Vegetarianism and the present economic chaos." Professor
Ude dealt with many of the points raised in his lecture at Eden. He
emphasized the tremendous waste resulting from the consumption of alcohol
and tobacco (7 million marks yearly in Germany) and the vast sums spent
on armaments. As before, he spoke for a considerable time on the economic
argument for vegetarianism and the great waste resulting from the production
of flesh foods. His final message was that the economics of any lasting
system must of necessity be based on humane and righteous principles.
...
The report of the 1935 Congress makes no mention of anyone from Austria,
but Dr Ude was clearly still involved as shown by extracts from the report
of the 1938 Congress in Norway:
In the unavoidable absence of Dr. Johannes Ude (Austria), and Mr. Peter
Freeman (Gt. Britain), the first address at the morning session was
delivered by Dr. E. MÖNICHEN, ...
Apologies for absence and expressions of good wishes were read from
Professor Dr. Johannes Ude (Austria), ....
The reports of the 1947 and 1950 Congresses make no mention of Austria.
- - -
- At the 1957, 1960 and 1965 Congresses there was an official delegate
from a Society in Austria, but at present we do not have a name for
the Society or any further details.
- 1958 - The Vegetarian World Forum, July 1958, carried
a complete list of IVU " Affiliated Societies - and others in association
with the I.V.U." These included: (Austria), Weltgesundheitsdient,
Vienna 18, Schulg 2/1/9.
- Österreichische Vegetarier-Union
was founded 1970
- Dipl.Jul.Fleishanderl (Austria) was as an Executive Vice President
of IVU from 1971 until 1984.
- see also: Vegane Gesellschaft Österreich
- founded 1999?
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